Algebra & Equations IEP goals for middle school (grades 6 to 8)
24 of the algebra & equations templates in the library are written for middle school (grades 6 to 8). Each opens in the builder, where the grade band is a starting point and the baseline comes from your own assessment.
24 templates · 1 skill · 6–8 · How we write and review goals
Goals by skill
Numbers are illustrative; set targets from the student's own baseline.
Algebra & Equations Math
Translate word phrases into algebraic expressions
Variables and expressions
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 word phrases that use one operation and one unknown (such as 7 more than a number), the student will write an algebraic expression with a variable for each phrase independently with at least 80% accuracy on word phrases, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by curriculum-based measurement probes collected weekly.
Combine like terms to simplify expressions
Variables and expressions
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 expressions with 3 to 5 terms using one variable and constants, the student will circle or color like terms and write the simplified expression independently with at least 85% accuracy on expressions to simplify, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Build and simplify expressions with algebra tiles
Variables and expressions
By the annual IEP review date, given algebra tiles, a work mat and 8 expressions with one variable and constants, the student will build each expression with tiles, group like tiles, remove zero pairs, and write the simplified expression independently with at least 75% accuracy on tile expressions, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
Expand expressions with the distributive property
Variables and expressions
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 expressions of the form a number times a sum or difference in parentheses, with whole numbers, the student will draw arrows from the outside factor to each inside term and write the expanded expression independently with at least 85% accuracy on distributive property expressions, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Evaluate numeric expressions with exponents and grouping
Order of operations
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 numeric expressions with 3 to 4 operations including parentheses and one exponent, the student will underline the operation done first, rewrite the expression after each operation, and write the value independently with at least 80% accuracy on numeric expressions, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Solve equations on a balance model
One- and two-step equations
By the annual IEP review date, given a pan balance or a balance mat with algebra tiles and an equation with one unknown, the student will solve the equation on the balance model and write each step in symbols, performing at least 6 of 7 steps independently, across 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected weekly.
Middle school algebra & equations goals account for multiple teachers, changing classes, and more independent work. They often pair the skill with a strategy or tool, and the data can be collected across settings by different staff or by the student.
Matching data sheets
Each goal above links to the blank sheet built for its measure. These are the sheets this set of goals uses:
- Accuracy trackerNumber correct out of number attempted, with percent accuracy and support level.Used by 17 goals here
- Task-analysis checklistMarks each step of a routine as independent, with support, or not completed across sessions.Used by 3 goals here
- Rubric trackerScores each rubric criterion and totals the score for each sample.Used by 4 goals here
Frequently asked questions
How are algebra & equations goals measured across several middle school classes?
By defining the task and the observation period so any teacher can use the same sheet, or by work samples collected from more than one class. Student self-monitoring with a weekly check is common.
Should middle school goals include study skills?
When assessment shows that organization, planning, or test preparation limits the student's progress, yes. Those goals are measured with task-analysis checklists and percent of assignments completed.
When does transition planning start?
The IEP in effect when the student turns 16 must include postsecondary goals and transition services, and many states start at 14. Middle school goals can build the self-advocacy and independence those plans rely on.
IEP Atlas Pro
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Count trials, prompts, and minutes live in the session; the graph and trend line draw themselves; progress reports are drafted from your data.